GenderThe online magazine that helps LGBTQ+ women to stay updated with entertaining blogs and breaking news about LGBT rights.https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/feed2019-02-22T17:32:29+00:00Joomla! - Open Source Content ManagementHaiti: Yaisah Micaela Val advocates for more tolerance towards trans people2018-08-30T16:22:05+00:002018-08-30T16:22:05+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/haiti-yaisah-micaela-val-advocates-for-more-tolerance-towards-trans-peopleE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img style="float: left;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2018-News/Yaisah-Micaela-Val.jpg" alt="Yaisah Micaela Val" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through this article, I want to give a shout-out to Yaisah Micaela Val who, with her husband, helps transgender young people and advocates for more tolerance in Haiti.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>Yaisah Micaela Val is a 44-year-old trans woman who has long been uncomfortable in her own body.</p>
<p>"The harshest was the critics + don't walk this way, don't talk this way, don't breathe this way+. The police is after you to check and criticize everything you do," Yaisah told The Associated Press. "It's hard to realize at 5-6 years old that I am a scourge, that my body, even my existence causes disappointment, the shame of my parents."</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2018-News/map-haiti.jpg" alt="map haiti" /></p>
<p>Fifteen years ago, she went to the United States to undergo gender reassignment surgery and this resulted in the rejection of her family upon her return to Haiti.</p>
<p>"We told my family beforehand," Val said about her decision to come out. "And they said, 'You're going to be stoned.'"</p>
<p>But it's not what happened. Well-adjusted in her female body, Yaisah revealed her trans-identity to her fiancé three days before their wedding. Rest assured, the story ended well :).</p>
<p>The fiancé in question, Richecarde Val, did research on the Internet because he knew nothing about trans-identity and accepted his future wife.</p>
<p>They got married as planned and today they are fighting for more tolerance.</p>
<p>They work with the Kouraj association to provide support to trans young people in Haiti.</p>
<p>Yaisah recalls with some emotion "that there were threats but we also started receiving calls from moms who explained that their child was also like her, from people who call in tears because they have finally found words to simply explain who they are."</p>
<p>Yaisah Micaela Val has become the first famous trans woman in Haiti since she decided to share her experience. She advocates for more tolerance in this country where homosexuality and trans-identity are regarded as deviances.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img style="float: left;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2018-News/Yaisah-Micaela-Val.jpg" alt="Yaisah Micaela Val" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through this article, I want to give a shout-out to Yaisah Micaela Val who, with her husband, helps transgender young people and advocates for more tolerance in Haiti.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>Yaisah Micaela Val is a 44-year-old trans woman who has long been uncomfortable in her own body.</p>
<p>"The harshest was the critics + don't walk this way, don't talk this way, don't breathe this way+. The police is after you to check and criticize everything you do," Yaisah told The Associated Press. "It's hard to realize at 5-6 years old that I am a scourge, that my body, even my existence causes disappointment, the shame of my parents."</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2018-News/map-haiti.jpg" alt="map haiti" /></p>
<p>Fifteen years ago, she went to the United States to undergo gender reassignment surgery and this resulted in the rejection of her family upon her return to Haiti.</p>
<p>"We told my family beforehand," Val said about her decision to come out. "And they said, 'You're going to be stoned.'"</p>
<p>But it's not what happened. Well-adjusted in her female body, Yaisah revealed her trans-identity to her fiancé three days before their wedding. Rest assured, the story ended well :).</p>
<p>The fiancé in question, Richecarde Val, did research on the Internet because he knew nothing about trans-identity and accepted his future wife.</p>
<p>They got married as planned and today they are fighting for more tolerance.</p>
<p>They work with the Kouraj association to provide support to trans young people in Haiti.</p>
<p>Yaisah recalls with some emotion "that there were threats but we also started receiving calls from moms who explained that their child was also like her, from people who call in tears because they have finally found words to simply explain who they are."</p>
<p>Yaisah Micaela Val has become the first famous trans woman in Haiti since she decided to share her experience. She advocates for more tolerance in this country where homosexuality and trans-identity are regarded as deviances.</p></div>The World Health Organization no longer considers gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder2018-08-02T21:19:23+00:002018-08-02T21:19:23+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/the-world-health-organization-no-longer-considers-gender-dysphoria-as-a-mental-health-disorderE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img style="float: left;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Cael/World-Health-Organization.jpg" alt="World Health Organization" width="420" height="282" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Good news! The World Health Organization (WHO) has finally stopped considering gender dysphoria, and thus being a transgender person, as a mental health disorder. WHO wants to fight stigma and discrimination of trans people around the world.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>Gender dysphoria is a conflict between a person's birth sex and how that person experiences their gender. You can learn more about gender dysphoria with Cael's article on the subject here: <a href="https://www.lezbelib.com/wellbeing-health-food/exploring-gender-dealing-with-dysphoria">Exploring Gender: Dealing with Dysphoria</a></p>
<p>"It was taken out of mental health disorders because we had a better understanding that this wasn't actually a mental health condition and leaving it there was causing stigma," said Dr. Lale Say, the coordinator of the WHO's Department of Reproductive Health and Research.</p>
<p>"So in order to reduce the stigma while also ensuring access to necessary health interventions, this was placed to a different chapter," she said.</p>
<p>Transgender Europe welcomed the change: "This is a historic achievement the global trans community has been fighting for over many years," they said in a statement. "It sets the fundament for a new era of reparation for done injustice and celebration of gender diversity."</p>
<p>What an important victory to see the World Health Organization no longer considering gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img style="float: left;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Cael/World-Health-Organization.jpg" alt="World Health Organization" width="420" height="282" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Good news! The World Health Organization (WHO) has finally stopped considering gender dysphoria, and thus being a transgender person, as a mental health disorder. WHO wants to fight stigma and discrimination of trans people around the world.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>Gender dysphoria is a conflict between a person's birth sex and how that person experiences their gender. You can learn more about gender dysphoria with Cael's article on the subject here: <a href="https://www.lezbelib.com/wellbeing-health-food/exploring-gender-dealing-with-dysphoria">Exploring Gender: Dealing with Dysphoria</a></p>
<p>"It was taken out of mental health disorders because we had a better understanding that this wasn't actually a mental health condition and leaving it there was causing stigma," said Dr. Lale Say, the coordinator of the WHO's Department of Reproductive Health and Research.</p>
<p>"So in order to reduce the stigma while also ensuring access to necessary health interventions, this was placed to a different chapter," she said.</p>
<p>Transgender Europe welcomed the change: "This is a historic achievement the global trans community has been fighting for over many years," they said in a statement. "It sets the fundament for a new era of reparation for done injustice and celebration of gender diversity."</p>
<p>What an important victory to see the World Health Organization no longer considering gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder.</p></div>Transgender activist Michaela Mendelsohn receives state and national Faces Of Diversity Awards2018-05-04T22:37:00+00:002018-05-04T22:37:00+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/transgender-activist-michaela-mendelsohn-receives-state-and-national-faces-of-diversity-awardsMona Elyafiinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img style="float: left;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/michaela-mendelsohn-trevor.jpg" alt="michaela mendelsohn trevor" width="350" height="532" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Transgender activist Michaela Mendelsohn was&nbsp;selected to be the state and national recipient of the <strong>Faces of Diversity Award</strong>.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>The annual award is part of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) celebration of the “best of the best” in diversity and inclusion, community service and hospitality leadership.</p>
<p>In partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, the Faces of Diversity Awards program honors individuals in the restaurant industry who have realized the American Dream through hard work, determination and enterprise.</p>
<p>Founded in 2006, this program was created to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion by highlighting model companies that have excelled in this area, as well as to raise awareness about the important role restaurants play in providing a ladder of opportunity for millions of Americans to achieve the American Dream.</p>
<p>A panel of industry leaders selects the winners, who will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC to be honored at an awards ceremony at the National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference Gala Awards Dinner. In addition to the ceremony, a $2,500 scholarship will be made in the name of each winner to an aspiring student pursuing a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry.</p>
<p>Mendelsohn, CEO of one of the largest El Pollo Loco franchises in the country and the first transgender member of the L.A. Workforce Development Board, is the founder of <a href="http://transcanwork.org/">transcanwork.org</a>- a program formed with the mission of promoting a trans positive work climate throughout the state of California and the US.</p>
<p>“We hired over 40 transpeople of color into our restaurants and founded <a href="http://transcanwork.org/">TransCanWork</a> to open doors at businesses nationwide to increase the hiring of transgender employees,” she says. “We train companies in diversity and use our jobs board to advertise their open positions to the transgender community.</p>
<p>Her work with <a href="http://sd33.senate.ca.gov/news/2017-10-15-governor-brown-signs-nations-first-transgender-rights-training-businesses-boost">Senator [Ricardo] Lara</a> in Sacramento resulted in the passage of <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB396">SB 396,</a> which now requires all California companies to include harassment training of management to include gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.</p>
<p>Mendelsohn is in a&nbsp;unique position to teach on the subject and help others break barriers.</p>
<p>Mendelsohn is also on several boards, including serving as Vice Chair of <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/">the Trevor Project,</a> a board member of Mayor Garcetti’s <a href="http://www.wiblacity.org/index.php">L.A. Workforce Development Board</a>, and is working with the Los Angeles Community College District and other institutions to “normalize” trans lives. And she served as a consultant to the series “<strong>Orange is the New Black</strong>.”</p>
<p>Mendelsohn is an amazing woman who has had a tremendous impact on the community.</p>
<p>This is an annual award presented by a leader in the restaurant industry, championing people from all backgrounds.</p>
<p>What makes Mendelsohn’s story so special and inspiring is that it shows the world that everyone can be their authentic self and succeed; and that everyone can overcome the challenges they are facing and find their voice.</p>
<p><strong>"In being my best self and telling my story, I hope to create “ripples in the pond” to open the hearts and minds of one person at a time", says Mendelsohn.</strong></p>
<p><iframe style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GeqwfeIJrtw?rel=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img style="float: left;" src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/michaela-mendelsohn-trevor.jpg" alt="michaela mendelsohn trevor" width="350" height="532" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Transgender activist Michaela Mendelsohn was&nbsp;selected to be the state and national recipient of the <strong>Faces of Diversity Award</strong>.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>The annual award is part of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) celebration of the “best of the best” in diversity and inclusion, community service and hospitality leadership.</p>
<p>In partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, the Faces of Diversity Awards program honors individuals in the restaurant industry who have realized the American Dream through hard work, determination and enterprise.</p>
<p>Founded in 2006, this program was created to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion by highlighting model companies that have excelled in this area, as well as to raise awareness about the important role restaurants play in providing a ladder of opportunity for millions of Americans to achieve the American Dream.</p>
<p>A panel of industry leaders selects the winners, who will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC to be honored at an awards ceremony at the National Restaurant Association's Public Affairs Conference Gala Awards Dinner. In addition to the ceremony, a $2,500 scholarship will be made in the name of each winner to an aspiring student pursuing a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry.</p>
<p>Mendelsohn, CEO of one of the largest El Pollo Loco franchises in the country and the first transgender member of the L.A. Workforce Development Board, is the founder of <a href="http://transcanwork.org/">transcanwork.org</a>- a program formed with the mission of promoting a trans positive work climate throughout the state of California and the US.</p>
<p>“We hired over 40 transpeople of color into our restaurants and founded <a href="http://transcanwork.org/">TransCanWork</a> to open doors at businesses nationwide to increase the hiring of transgender employees,” she says. “We train companies in diversity and use our jobs board to advertise their open positions to the transgender community.</p>
<p>Her work with <a href="http://sd33.senate.ca.gov/news/2017-10-15-governor-brown-signs-nations-first-transgender-rights-training-businesses-boost">Senator [Ricardo] Lara</a> in Sacramento resulted in the passage of <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB396">SB 396,</a> which now requires all California companies to include harassment training of management to include gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.</p>
<p>Mendelsohn is in a&nbsp;unique position to teach on the subject and help others break barriers.</p>
<p>Mendelsohn is also on several boards, including serving as Vice Chair of <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/">the Trevor Project,</a> a board member of Mayor Garcetti’s <a href="http://www.wiblacity.org/index.php">L.A. Workforce Development Board</a>, and is working with the Los Angeles Community College District and other institutions to “normalize” trans lives. And she served as a consultant to the series “<strong>Orange is the New Black</strong>.”</p>
<p>Mendelsohn is an amazing woman who has had a tremendous impact on the community.</p>
<p>This is an annual award presented by a leader in the restaurant industry, championing people from all backgrounds.</p>
<p>What makes Mendelsohn’s story so special and inspiring is that it shows the world that everyone can be their authentic self and succeed; and that everyone can overcome the challenges they are facing and find their voice.</p>
<p><strong>"In being my best self and telling my story, I hope to create “ripples in the pond” to open the hearts and minds of one person at a time", says Mendelsohn.</strong></p>
<p><iframe style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GeqwfeIJrtw?rel=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p></div>The Church of Sweden has decided to use gender-neutral terms to refer to God2017-12-05T18:27:02+00:002017-12-05T18:27:02+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/the-church-of-sweden-has-decided-to-use-gender-neutral-terms-to-refer-to-godE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/church-of-sweden.jpg" alt="church of sweden" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Church of Sweden will replace “he” and “Lord” from services, hymns and publishings with gender-neutral terms. This decision provoked a lot of reactions.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Sweden is the first country to have listed a gender-neutral pronoun in its dictionary. Since 2015, you can see the term "hen", which is a gender-neutral pronoun, next to "han" which means "he" and "hon" which means "she".</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Theologically, for instance, we know that <strong>God is beyond our gender determinations, God is not human</strong>," Archbishop Jackelen said to Swedish news agency TT.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Archbishop Jackelen heads the Church of Sweden. Yes, it's run by a woman! It's the most popular church in Sweden. It has 6.1 million followers, more than half of the country's inhabitants.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Church of Sweden will introduce this gender-neutral directive on May 20, 2018, on the Christian holiday of Pentecost.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This decision caused a lot of reactions but especially a lot of misunderstandings. I read a lot of comments from people who clearly don't understand gender. I read things like, "So now God is a woman."</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">They are so stuck in their binary system so if God is not a man then God is a woman or a hermaphrodite person. I read that too.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In fact, here God is not a man and God is not a woman either. In the same way that God doesn't have a skin color, a specific figure, or others.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Church of Sweden goes into gender-neutral mode from 2018. Get over it!</span></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/church-of-sweden.jpg" alt="church of sweden" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Church of Sweden will replace “he” and “Lord” from services, hymns and publishings with gender-neutral terms. This decision provoked a lot of reactions.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Sweden is the first country to have listed a gender-neutral pronoun in its dictionary. Since 2015, you can see the term "hen", which is a gender-neutral pronoun, next to "han" which means "he" and "hon" which means "she".</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Theologically, for instance, we know that <strong>God is beyond our gender determinations, God is not human</strong>," Archbishop Jackelen said to Swedish news agency TT.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Archbishop Jackelen heads the Church of Sweden. Yes, it's run by a woman! It's the most popular church in Sweden. It has 6.1 million followers, more than half of the country's inhabitants.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Church of Sweden will introduce this gender-neutral directive on May 20, 2018, on the Christian holiday of Pentecost.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This decision caused a lot of reactions but especially a lot of misunderstandings. I read a lot of comments from people who clearly don't understand gender. I read things like, "So now God is a woman."</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">They are so stuck in their binary system so if God is not a man then God is a woman or a hermaphrodite person. I read that too.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In fact, here God is not a man and God is not a woman either. In the same way that God doesn't have a skin color, a specific figure, or others.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Church of Sweden goes into gender-neutral mode from 2018. Get over it!</span></p></div>SMIRNOFF launches next chapter of “We're open” inclusivity initiative2017-11-29T23:31:13+00:002017-11-29T23:31:13+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/smirnoff-launches-next-chapter-of-we-re-open-inclusivity-initiativeClare Doverinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/SMIRNOFF_NOVEMBER_TVS_0188_09.jpg" alt="SMIRNOFF NOVEMBER TVS 0188 09" width="460" height="342" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.smirnoff.com/en-us/">SMIRNOFF</a> announces the next chapter of their “We’re Open” initiative. Bringing together leading non-binary artists and performers. Together with LGBT Foundation, the campaign aims to spark conversation, create positive change in nightlife culture and lead a movement to make it a more open-minded and socially inclusive space.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><strong>SMIRNOFF</strong>, the top-selling flavored vodka in North America, identified that whilst <a href="https://www.glaad.org/blog/new-glaad-study-reveals-twenty-percent-millennials-identify-lgbtq">12% of millennials identified as transgender or gender non-conforming</a>, society at large still lacked awareness and understanding of the non-binary community, with a lack of positive role models in mainstream media. Furthermore, with <a href="http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/lgbt-facts-and-figures">3 out of 4 trans people reporting being a victim of a hate crime</a> they recognised a need to take positive steps to support those communities.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">With over twenty years history supporting LGBTQ+ communities at large, including the ongoing Equalising Music initiative to double the amount of women and non-binary headliners in music, SMIRNOFF<strong> is committed </strong>to amplifying this conversation and<strong> celebrating the full diversity of gender identities.</strong></span></p>
<p>The new film by SMIRNOFF stars:</p>
<ul>
<li>DJ and producer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DJHoneyDijon/">Honey Dijon</a></li>
<li>French LGBTQ+ icon and leading figure on the Paris Ballroom scene <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ilovekiddysmile/">Kiddy Smile</a></li>
<li>British transgender model and dancer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucy_fizz/">Lucy Fizz</a></li>
<li>performance artist <a href="http://www.xnthony.com/">Xnthony</a> and Le Fil</li>
</ul>
<p>It celebrates the role that nightlife plays in inclusive good times, and its power to inspire positive change in the communities it represents. Through highlighting the positive stories of these forward-thinking artists and performers, SMIRNOFF aims to shift mainstream perceptions and understanding of under-represented communities. By amplifying the voices of LGBT role models and champions, SMIRNOFF is passionate to be leading a nightlife culture where every single person feels included, valued, and able to express themselves.</p>
<p>“Nightlife is a place where everyone should feel welcomed for who they are - no matter what their gender identity is,” says Anita Robinson, European Category Director at <a href="https://www.diageo.com/">Diageo</a>, a global leader in beverage alcohol. “SMIRNOFF brand's purpose is to move the world to be more inclusive. With this new film, we aim to support and give voice to the non-binary community, push the cultural conversation around gender equality and representation forward, and use our influence in nightlife culture to drive positive change in the communities it represents.”</p>
<p>The ad campaign, launching 28th November, features Honey Dijon’s original rework of Sylvester’s ‘Stars’, with vocals by singer-songwriter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/samsparroofficial">Sam Sparro</a>.</p>
<p>Sylvester’s trailblazing career saw him defy gender conventions taking his career from cabaret to the dancefloors, kickstarting the evolution of disco into the house music we know today. His soaring falsetto and flamboyant style saw him crowned as the original ''Queen of Disco’’, reaching out to mainstream audiences from all walks of life and inspiring and empowering a generation to be their true self.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Growing up in Chicago, later moving to New York, and now living between there and Berlin, Honey Dijon has seen and shaped many of the key stages of electronic music - from the birth of house in her home city to its evolution in NYC. Her acclaimed debut album “The Best of Both Worlds” was released in October and her star continues to rise with collaborations in the world of fashion - Honey recently collaborated with Kim Jones for the AW17 Louis Vuitton x Supreme show.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Growing up, music was always my escape,” says Honey Dijon. “The dancefloor was the place people of all ages, colours, genders and sexual orientations came together to celebrate and it was there that I first found acceptance. Those experiences shaped the person I am today. As a trans artist of colour I'm glad to be partnering with SMIRNOFF who recognise the important role that nightlife culture plays in providing a space for everybody to be their true selves”.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">SMIRNOFF takes their role in shaping the future of this conversation seriously, <strong>aiming to support, give voice to the non-binary community</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>bring about</strong> <strong>positive change</strong>. Acknowledging the complexities of this issue, SMIRNOFF sought insight from the LGBTQ+ community, which advocates more visibility of trans and non-binary individuals in mainstream media as one of the most effective ways to recognise these goals, along with a greater focus on education and training of nightlife workers on the issues faced by trans and non-binary people.</span></p>
<p>With the new film and national campaign set to amplify the voices of trans and non-binary individuals and put gender identity front and centre in mainstream conversation, SMIRNOFF also announces a partnership with <a href="http://lgbt.foundation/">LGBT Foundation</a>.</p>
<p>LGBT Foundation will develop guidance for the SMIRNOFF team’s bartender training programme to raise awareness of non-binary issues and build skills, knowledge and confidence to ensure that staff are leading the way in ensuring that nightlife remains a place for inclusive good times. In addition, SMIRNOFF will work to build on LGBT Foundation’s flagship Village Angels initiative with nightlife organisations, local authorities, and emergency services around the UK. The Village Angels are a team of volunteers who have been providing non-judgemental support and assistance to people in need in Manchester’s Gay Village since 2011.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“We’re very proud to be collaborating with SMIRNOFF to make nightlife a safer, inclusive and more understanding space” says Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation. “From providing insight and training to help the industry understand non-binary communities, to investing in grassroots initiatives that promote safety and inclusion in UK nightlife, this is a longstanding commitment to drive positive change. Our Village Angels have helped nearly 100,000 people since they were created in 2011. Thanks to SMIRNOFF, we now have a very real opportunity to grow this success outside of Manchester, by inspiring cities around the UK to kick start projects which help LGBT communities stay safe and celebrate their identities whilst enjoying a great night out”.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Here is the new TV advert:</span></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IC7PQkCkcbA?rel=0" width="500" height="281" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/SMIRNOFF_NOVEMBER_TVS_0188_09.jpg" alt="SMIRNOFF NOVEMBER TVS 0188 09" width="460" height="342" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.smirnoff.com/en-us/">SMIRNOFF</a> announces the next chapter of their “We’re Open” initiative. Bringing together leading non-binary artists and performers. Together with LGBT Foundation, the campaign aims to spark conversation, create positive change in nightlife culture and lead a movement to make it a more open-minded and socially inclusive space.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><strong>SMIRNOFF</strong>, the top-selling flavored vodka in North America, identified that whilst <a href="https://www.glaad.org/blog/new-glaad-study-reveals-twenty-percent-millennials-identify-lgbtq">12% of millennials identified as transgender or gender non-conforming</a>, society at large still lacked awareness and understanding of the non-binary community, with a lack of positive role models in mainstream media. Furthermore, with <a href="http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/lgbt-facts-and-figures">3 out of 4 trans people reporting being a victim of a hate crime</a> they recognised a need to take positive steps to support those communities.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">With over twenty years history supporting LGBTQ+ communities at large, including the ongoing Equalising Music initiative to double the amount of women and non-binary headliners in music, SMIRNOFF<strong> is committed </strong>to amplifying this conversation and<strong> celebrating the full diversity of gender identities.</strong></span></p>
<p>The new film by SMIRNOFF stars:</p>
<ul>
<li>DJ and producer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DJHoneyDijon/">Honey Dijon</a></li>
<li>French LGBTQ+ icon and leading figure on the Paris Ballroom scene <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ilovekiddysmile/">Kiddy Smile</a></li>
<li>British transgender model and dancer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucy_fizz/">Lucy Fizz</a></li>
<li>performance artist <a href="http://www.xnthony.com/">Xnthony</a> and Le Fil</li>
</ul>
<p>It celebrates the role that nightlife plays in inclusive good times, and its power to inspire positive change in the communities it represents. Through highlighting the positive stories of these forward-thinking artists and performers, SMIRNOFF aims to shift mainstream perceptions and understanding of under-represented communities. By amplifying the voices of LGBT role models and champions, SMIRNOFF is passionate to be leading a nightlife culture where every single person feels included, valued, and able to express themselves.</p>
<p>“Nightlife is a place where everyone should feel welcomed for who they are - no matter what their gender identity is,” says Anita Robinson, European Category Director at <a href="https://www.diageo.com/">Diageo</a>, a global leader in beverage alcohol. “SMIRNOFF brand's purpose is to move the world to be more inclusive. With this new film, we aim to support and give voice to the non-binary community, push the cultural conversation around gender equality and representation forward, and use our influence in nightlife culture to drive positive change in the communities it represents.”</p>
<p>The ad campaign, launching 28th November, features Honey Dijon’s original rework of Sylvester’s ‘Stars’, with vocals by singer-songwriter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/samsparroofficial">Sam Sparro</a>.</p>
<p>Sylvester’s trailblazing career saw him defy gender conventions taking his career from cabaret to the dancefloors, kickstarting the evolution of disco into the house music we know today. His soaring falsetto and flamboyant style saw him crowned as the original ''Queen of Disco’’, reaching out to mainstream audiences from all walks of life and inspiring and empowering a generation to be their true self.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Growing up in Chicago, later moving to New York, and now living between there and Berlin, Honey Dijon has seen and shaped many of the key stages of electronic music - from the birth of house in her home city to its evolution in NYC. Her acclaimed debut album “The Best of Both Worlds” was released in October and her star continues to rise with collaborations in the world of fashion - Honey recently collaborated with Kim Jones for the AW17 Louis Vuitton x Supreme show.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Growing up, music was always my escape,” says Honey Dijon. “The dancefloor was the place people of all ages, colours, genders and sexual orientations came together to celebrate and it was there that I first found acceptance. Those experiences shaped the person I am today. As a trans artist of colour I'm glad to be partnering with SMIRNOFF who recognise the important role that nightlife culture plays in providing a space for everybody to be their true selves”.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">SMIRNOFF takes their role in shaping the future of this conversation seriously, <strong>aiming to support, give voice to the non-binary community</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>bring about</strong> <strong>positive change</strong>. Acknowledging the complexities of this issue, SMIRNOFF sought insight from the LGBTQ+ community, which advocates more visibility of trans and non-binary individuals in mainstream media as one of the most effective ways to recognise these goals, along with a greater focus on education and training of nightlife workers on the issues faced by trans and non-binary people.</span></p>
<p>With the new film and national campaign set to amplify the voices of trans and non-binary individuals and put gender identity front and centre in mainstream conversation, SMIRNOFF also announces a partnership with <a href="http://lgbt.foundation/">LGBT Foundation</a>.</p>
<p>LGBT Foundation will develop guidance for the SMIRNOFF team’s bartender training programme to raise awareness of non-binary issues and build skills, knowledge and confidence to ensure that staff are leading the way in ensuring that nightlife remains a place for inclusive good times. In addition, SMIRNOFF will work to build on LGBT Foundation’s flagship Village Angels initiative with nightlife organisations, local authorities, and emergency services around the UK. The Village Angels are a team of volunteers who have been providing non-judgemental support and assistance to people in need in Manchester’s Gay Village since 2011.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“We’re very proud to be collaborating with SMIRNOFF to make nightlife a safer, inclusive and more understanding space” says Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation. “From providing insight and training to help the industry understand non-binary communities, to investing in grassroots initiatives that promote safety and inclusion in UK nightlife, this is a longstanding commitment to drive positive change. Our Village Angels have helped nearly 100,000 people since they were created in 2011. Thanks to SMIRNOFF, we now have a very real opportunity to grow this success outside of Manchester, by inspiring cities around the UK to kick start projects which help LGBT communities stay safe and celebrate their identities whilst enjoying a great night out”.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Here is the new TV advert:</span></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IC7PQkCkcbA?rel=0" width="500" height="281" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p></div>Equality organisations welcome Scottish Government consultation to improve the Gender Recognition Act2017-11-18T17:17:29+00:002017-11-18T17:17:29+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/equality-organisations-welcome-scottish-government-consultation-to-improve-the-gender-recognition-actScottish Trans Alliance, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotlandinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/scotland-equality-groups.jpg" alt="scotland equality groups" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Leading LGBTI and women’s equality organisations in Scotland have today welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s <a href="https://consult.gov.scot/family-law/review-of-the-gender-recognition-act-2004/">consultation on improving the Gender Recognition Act 2004</a>.</p>
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<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></span>The LGBTI organisations welcoming the proposals are Scottish Trans Alliance, <a href="https://www.equality-network.org/">Equality Network</a>, LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Women’s organisations Close the Gap, Engender, Equate Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland,</span></p>
<p>Scottish Women’s Aid, Women 50:50 and Zero Tolerance have jointly issued a <a href="https://www.engender.org.uk/news/blog/statement-in-support-of-the-equal-recognition-campaign-and-reform-of-the-gender-recognitio/">statement</a> of support for reform of the Gender Recognition Act.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Scottish Government consultation paper launched today proposes to simplify how transgender people can change the gender on their birth certificates. It is proposed to bring the process for birth certificates in line with that for other identity documents such as passports. Trans people would need to complete a formal legal statutory declaration confirming the gender identity in which they live and their intention to do so permanently for the rest of their life. Passports, driving licences, medical records and employment records are already changed by self-declaration when a person starts living in their gender identity.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">James Morton, <a href="https://www.scottishtrans.org/">Scottish Trans Alliance</a> Manager, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s proposals to reform the Gender Recognition Act. The current process to change the gender on a trans person’s birth certificate is a humiliating, offensive and expensive red-tape nightmare which requires them to submit intrusive psychiatric evidence to a faceless tribunal panel years after they transitioned. It makes sense for birth certificates to be brought into line with the self-declaration process already used to change all other identity documents when trans people start living in their gender identity.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Being able to change the gender on their birth certificate to match their other identity documents is important primarily to uphold trans people’s privacy and dignity but also to ensure that their pensions, insurance policies, civil partnerships and marriages are all administered correctly.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“We urge the Scottish Government to also provide legal gender recognition for non-binary trans people so that all trans people can have equal inclusion and acceptance within Scottish society.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Close the Gap, Engender, Equate Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid, Women 50:50 and Zero Tolerance, jointly said: “For over a decade, we have engaged in constructive dialogue with our colleagues in the Scottish Trans Alliance, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland. We do not regard trans equality and women’s equality to be in competition or contradiction with each other. We support the Equal Recognition campaign and welcome the reform of the Gender Recognition Act. Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid in Scotland provide trans inclusive services on the basis of self identification. We will continue to work collaboratively with Scottish Trans Alliance and other equality organisations with the aim of ensuring that new processes are appropriately designed and without unintended consequences.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “This reform is desperately needed as it’s time to move the legislation on from being a long complicated bureaucratic process, which treats being trans as a mental illness. We believe a better Gender Recognition Act is a crucial next step in achieving equality for all trans people and will help reduce the discrimination and abuse that is all too prevalent in our society.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Scottish Government also propose to align the age a person can apply to change the gender on their birth certificate with the age of legal capacity in Scotland, which is 16. In Scotland, people can get married, leave school, have a child, vote and join the armed forces at the age of 16.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland supports the age reduction.</span></p>
<p>Fergus McMillan, Chief Executive of <a href="https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/">LGBT Youth Scotland</a>, said: “LGBT Youth Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government proposals to reform gender recognition law in Scotland. We are working with young people through our youth commission on gender recognition, to bring their views and experiences to the forefront of the consultation. These reforms will allow all trans people, including trans young people, to live with dignity and equality.”</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Scottish Government consultation paper positively acknowledges the importance of respecting the lives of non-binary people who do not identify solely as men or women. It outlines a variety of possible actions that could assist non-binary people, from making small changes to administrative forms through to providing recognition of non-binary people in legislation and service provision.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At the Scottish LGBTI Hustings event during the 2016 Holyrood election campaign, Nicola Sturgeon was asked when she would recognise non-binary gender identities in law, and replied: “I think we should, and I think we should do it in the next Parliament, and that’s one of the specific things I think we should look to take forward in terms of reviewing the gender recognition law. I think it is no longer, in this day and age, appropriate for people not to have their perfectly legitimate identity recognised legally.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Vic Valentine, Scottish Trans Alliance Policy Officer, said: “Reforming gender recognition law to include non-binary people would be a clear indication that our identities are seen as equally valid to those of men and women. This is a vital step towards creating a societyin which non-binary people are truly recognised, and treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of our day-to-day lives.”</span></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/scotland-equality-groups.jpg" alt="scotland equality groups" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Leading LGBTI and women’s equality organisations in Scotland have today welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s <a href="https://consult.gov.scot/family-law/review-of-the-gender-recognition-act-2004/">consultation on improving the Gender Recognition Act 2004</a>.</p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></span>The LGBTI organisations welcoming the proposals are Scottish Trans Alliance, <a href="https://www.equality-network.org/">Equality Network</a>, LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Women’s organisations Close the Gap, Engender, Equate Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland,</span></p>
<p>Scottish Women’s Aid, Women 50:50 and Zero Tolerance have jointly issued a <a href="https://www.engender.org.uk/news/blog/statement-in-support-of-the-equal-recognition-campaign-and-reform-of-the-gender-recognitio/">statement</a> of support for reform of the Gender Recognition Act.</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Scottish Government consultation paper launched today proposes to simplify how transgender people can change the gender on their birth certificates. It is proposed to bring the process for birth certificates in line with that for other identity documents such as passports. Trans people would need to complete a formal legal statutory declaration confirming the gender identity in which they live and their intention to do so permanently for the rest of their life. Passports, driving licences, medical records and employment records are already changed by self-declaration when a person starts living in their gender identity.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">James Morton, <a href="https://www.scottishtrans.org/">Scottish Trans Alliance</a> Manager, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s proposals to reform the Gender Recognition Act. The current process to change the gender on a trans person’s birth certificate is a humiliating, offensive and expensive red-tape nightmare which requires them to submit intrusive psychiatric evidence to a faceless tribunal panel years after they transitioned. It makes sense for birth certificates to be brought into line with the self-declaration process already used to change all other identity documents when trans people start living in their gender identity.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“Being able to change the gender on their birth certificate to match their other identity documents is important primarily to uphold trans people’s privacy and dignity but also to ensure that their pensions, insurance policies, civil partnerships and marriages are all administered correctly.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">“We urge the Scottish Government to also provide legal gender recognition for non-binary trans people so that all trans people can have equal inclusion and acceptance within Scottish society.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Close the Gap, Engender, Equate Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid, Women 50:50 and Zero Tolerance, jointly said: “For over a decade, we have engaged in constructive dialogue with our colleagues in the Scottish Trans Alliance, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland. We do not regard trans equality and women’s equality to be in competition or contradiction with each other. We support the Equal Recognition campaign and welcome the reform of the Gender Recognition Act. Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid in Scotland provide trans inclusive services on the basis of self identification. We will continue to work collaboratively with Scottish Trans Alliance and other equality organisations with the aim of ensuring that new processes are appropriately designed and without unintended consequences.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “This reform is desperately needed as it’s time to move the legislation on from being a long complicated bureaucratic process, which treats being trans as a mental illness. We believe a better Gender Recognition Act is a crucial next step in achieving equality for all trans people and will help reduce the discrimination and abuse that is all too prevalent in our society.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Scottish Government also propose to align the age a person can apply to change the gender on their birth certificate with the age of legal capacity in Scotland, which is 16. In Scotland, people can get married, leave school, have a child, vote and join the armed forces at the age of 16.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland supports the age reduction.</span></p>
<p>Fergus McMillan, Chief Executive of <a href="https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/">LGBT Youth Scotland</a>, said: “LGBT Youth Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government proposals to reform gender recognition law in Scotland. We are working with young people through our youth commission on gender recognition, to bring their views and experiences to the forefront of the consultation. These reforms will allow all trans people, including trans young people, to live with dignity and equality.”</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Scottish Government consultation paper positively acknowledges the importance of respecting the lives of non-binary people who do not identify solely as men or women. It outlines a variety of possible actions that could assist non-binary people, from making small changes to administrative forms through to providing recognition of non-binary people in legislation and service provision.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At the Scottish LGBTI Hustings event during the 2016 Holyrood election campaign, Nicola Sturgeon was asked when she would recognise non-binary gender identities in law, and replied: “I think we should, and I think we should do it in the next Parliament, and that’s one of the specific things I think we should look to take forward in terms of reviewing the gender recognition law. I think it is no longer, in this day and age, appropriate for people not to have their perfectly legitimate identity recognised legally.”</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Vic Valentine, Scottish Trans Alliance Policy Officer, said: “Reforming gender recognition law to include non-binary people would be a clear indication that our identities are seen as equally valid to those of men and women. This is a vital step towards creating a societyin which non-binary people are truly recognised, and treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of our day-to-day lives.”</span></p></div>Announcements in the New York subway will now be gender-neutral2017-11-16T23:40:02+00:002017-11-16T23:40:02+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/announcements-in-the-new-york-subway-will-now-be-gender-neutralE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/new-york-city-subway.jpg" alt="new york city subway" width="397" height="243" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now announcements in the New York subway will be gender-neutral. This is part of the change policy planned by the company that manages the transportation.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of the city announced that "ladies and gentlemen" would be replaced by the terms "passengers", "riders" and "everyone".</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This is part of an improvement policy of the 113-year-old system: "We’re fundamentally changing the way we talk with riders to give them better and clearer information," Jon Weinstein, an MTA spokesperson, said in an interview with Pix11.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">New York is not the first city to make this kind of change. London announced the use of "everyone" instead of "ladies and gentlemen" in its transport network.</span></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/Gender/new-york-city-subway.jpg" alt="new york city subway" width="397" height="243" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now announcements in the New York subway will be gender-neutral. This is part of the change policy planned by the company that manages the transportation.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of the city announced that "ladies and gentlemen" would be replaced by the terms "passengers", "riders" and "everyone".</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This is part of an improvement policy of the 113-year-old system: "We’re fundamentally changing the way we talk with riders to give them better and clearer information," Jon Weinstein, an MTA spokesperson, said in an interview with Pix11.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">New York is not the first city to make this kind of change. London announced the use of "everyone" instead of "ladies and gentlemen" in its transport network.</span></p></div>The Village Metropolitan Community Church appointed the first non-binary pastor2017-10-26T23:32:45+00:002017-10-26T23:32:45+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/the-village-metropolitan-community-church-appointed-the-first-non-binary-pastorE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p>&nbsp;<img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2017_News/Reverend-Peta-Evans.jpg" alt="Reverend Peta Evans" width="421" height="227" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Brighton Village Metropolitan Community Church has appointed<strong> the first ever non-binary pastor</strong>.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">These are members of the LGBT community who created this church. Founded in 1968, the Metropolitan Community Church movement supports the inclusion of LGBT people in parishes.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"Returning to Brighton, I am excited to serve again in the community which first welcomed me and supported me in both my ministry journey and my gender transition," Reverend Peta Evans said.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"I would love to see the sincere passion and integrity of The Village MCC reach out even more widely to people of all ages, gender identities and walks of life."</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Rev. Evans plans to create ReTranslation, a group for transgender people "to look at the text for themselves without past interpretations getting in the way."</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Brighton Church becomes the first one to welcome a non-binary pastor in the world.</span></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p>&nbsp;<img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2017_News/Reverend-Peta-Evans.jpg" alt="Reverend Peta Evans" width="421" height="227" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Brighton Village Metropolitan Community Church has appointed<strong> the first ever non-binary pastor</strong>.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">These are members of the LGBT community who created this church. Founded in 1968, the Metropolitan Community Church movement supports the inclusion of LGBT people in parishes.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"Returning to Brighton, I am excited to serve again in the community which first welcomed me and supported me in both my ministry journey and my gender transition," Reverend Peta Evans said.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"I would love to see the sincere passion and integrity of The Village MCC reach out even more widely to people of all ages, gender identities and walks of life."</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Rev. Evans plans to create ReTranslation, a group for transgender people "to look at the text for themselves without past interpretations getting in the way."</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Brighton Church becomes the first one to welcome a non-binary pastor in the world.</span></p></div>Greece allows trans people to change gender more easily2017-10-20T16:20:30+00:002017-10-20T16:20:30+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/greece-allows-trans-people-to-change-gender-more-easilyE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2017_News/greece-trans-rights.jpg" alt="greece trans rights" width="405" height="219" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The rights for transgender people are advancing in Greece. A new law allows them to legally change their gender with a simple declaration.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Before to introduce this law, trans people were still viewed to be mentally ill by Greek authorities. You can imagine the enormous advance that has taken place in this European country!</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Also, they were required to undergo a psychiatric assessment if they were to undergo sex reassignment surgery.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In addition to conservative legislators, the Greek Orthodox Church decided to protest throughout the week by ringing church bells every day at noon for three minutes.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Thanks to this law that allows a legal change of gender, Greece is making a huge step forward the recognition of transgender people.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Photo by: REUTERS/ Alkis Konstantinidis</span></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2017_News/greece-trans-rights.jpg" alt="greece trans rights" width="405" height="219" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The rights for transgender people are advancing in Greece. A new law allows them to legally change their gender with a simple declaration.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Before to introduce this law, trans people were still viewed to be mentally ill by Greek authorities. You can imagine the enormous advance that has taken place in this European country!</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Also, they were required to undergo a psychiatric assessment if they were to undergo sex reassignment surgery.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In addition to conservative legislators, the Greek Orthodox Church decided to protest throughout the week by ringing church bells every day at noon for three minutes.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Thanks to this law that allows a legal change of gender, Greece is making a huge step forward the recognition of transgender people.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Photo by: REUTERS/ Alkis Konstantinidis</span></p></div>California recognizes a third gender2017-10-20T16:20:22+00:002017-10-20T16:20:22+00:00https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/california-recognizes-a-third-genderE-Liinfo@lezbelib.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2017_News/california-id-card.jpg" alt="california id card" width="379" height="212" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">California governor signed the bill into law that allows recognition of a third gender.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>As I told you two weeks ago, <a href="https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/california-close-to-recognizing-a-third-gender">California lawmakers approved a bill to recognize a third gender</a>. It missed Governor's signature, and there it is, we have it!</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">California became the first US state to officially recognize a third gender. This will allow:</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">To identify yourselves as non-binary on identity documents issued by the state (driver's license, birth certificates).</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">To ease gender and sex change processes by removing requirements such as a doctor's statement or a court appearance.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This signature which recognizes a third gender shows us that gender identity continues to gain ground towards recognition and understanding.</span></p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><img src="https://www.lezbelib.com/images/stories/2017_News/california-id-card.jpg" alt="california id card" width="379" height="212" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">California governor signed the bill into law that allows recognition of a third gender.</span></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>As I told you two weeks ago, <a href="https://www.lezbelib.com/gender/california-close-to-recognizing-a-third-gender">California lawmakers approved a bill to recognize a third gender</a>. It missed Governor's signature, and there it is, we have it!</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">California became the first US state to officially recognize a third gender. This will allow:</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">To identify yourselves as non-binary on identity documents issued by the state (driver's license, birth certificates).</p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">To ease gender and sex change processes by removing requirements such as a doctor's statement or a court appearance.</span></p>
<p><span style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This signature which recognizes a third gender shows us that gender identity continues to gain ground towards recognition and understanding.</span></p></div>